Trump To Visit Western North Carolina Area Hit By Hurrican Helene
Well, folks, it looks like President Trump is rolling up his sleeves and heading straight into the storm—literally and figuratively. The former president announced plans to visit North Carolina this week, and his message is clear: the people of this hurricane-ravaged state, along with other disaster-stricken areas, have been "abandoned by the Democrats." And judging by the frustration on the ground, he might not be far off the mark.
Trump laid out his itinerary to reporters, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the needs of Americans forgotten by the current administration. He’ll start his trip in North Carolina, move on to Los Angeles to address the aftermath of destructive wildfires, and finish in Nevada. “We’re going to take care of Los Angeles,” he said. “I’m going to North Carolina very importantly first, I’ll be there on Friday.” For Trump, this isn’t just about disaster relief—it’s about showing up when others don’t.
Hurricane Helene tore through communities across western North Carolina and beyond, leaving devastation in its wake. From Asheville to Chimney Rock to Swannanoa, families were left to face flooding, landslides, and destroyed homes. But what’s really infuriating residents isn’t just the storm’s wrath—it’s the government’s sluggish response. Months later, people are still feeling abandoned, and they’re not shy about saying so.
President Trump announces he will visit North Carolina on Friday to assess the progress of relief after the hurricanes, followed by a visit to Los Angeles to survey the wildfires devastation. pic.twitter.com/PCj9dDpHJ8
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) January 21, 2025
Take Asheville resident Jordan Lanning, who didn’t mince words during an interview with Fox News’ Jesse Watters. “It’s too late,” Lanning said of the Biden administration’s response. “It took them five days to get here. Biden didn’t even come himself—he just flew over on his way to Raleigh. It’s disgraceful.”
Her words resonate deeply in a region where families feel they’ve been left to fend for themselves. FEMA’s reported $17 million allocation to North Carolina might sound like a lot on paper, but for those on the ground, the help has been too little, too late.
And that’s the point Trump is hammering home. While FEMA and the Biden administration claim credit for over $45 million in total hurricane relief across affected states, many in North Carolina see it as a betrayal. Trump has called their response a “disgrace,” and stories like Lanning’s suggest he’s tapping into a real sense of abandonment.
It’s not just about the money—it’s about presence, leadership, and priorities. And let’s not forget: Biden’s initial delay and seeming indifference only fueled the narrative that Democrats are out of touch with rural and disaster-hit communities.
What’s particularly striking here is Trump’s deliberate choice to start in North Carolina, a state that played a critical role in his political success and remains central to his broader message of reconnecting with “forgotten Americans.” His critics might dismiss this trip as political theater, but for many residents, the simple act of showing up speaks volumes. As Trump himself once said, “Promises made, promises kept.” It’s a slogan that his supporters see coming to life again as he steps into the vacuum left by the Biden administration.
But let’s zoom out for a moment. This trip isn’t just about hurricanes, wildfires, or even FEMA. It’s about the broader contrast Trump is drawing between himself and the current leadership. It’s about showing the American people—particularly those in crisis—that someone is paying attention, that someone is willing to get their boots dirty while others sit back and offer platitudes. And let’s face it, folks: in today’s political climate, where optics matter as much as actions, Trump’s ability to connect with communities in their darkest hours remains one of his most effective tools.